Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society
Introduction
Philoptochos is the accredited philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, one of the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organizations in the United States. Our membership is an army of women whose collective drive, dedication and heart help those who need it most. Philoptochos is compassion, love, and strength. Philoptochos is YOU.
Why Join Philoptochos?
Joining Philoptochos means friendship, fellowship, and the joy of helping those in need. Our chapter has over fifty active members, with room for more. Whether you’re a homemaker, student, professional, or retired, your talents and personality will make a difference. Volunteer as much or as little as your schedule allows. You define what kind of member you will be.
A History of Philoptochos
The history of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society itself can be traced all the way back to 1894, during the time Greek immigrants were bravely leaving their homeland to embark on the long and often dangerous voyage to America. They arrived at Ellis Island by the hundreds, boldly leaving behind their family and friends, for the greatest adventure of their lives, for the land of opportunity.
Meanwhile, at the Holy Trinity Church in New York City, Father Paisios and several female parishioners reached out to these new arrivals, to welcome them and to assist them in adjusting to their new lives. This ongoing effort to embrace the Greek immigrants, to aid the poor and to offer assistance, ultimately lead to the formation of the first Ladies Philoptochos Society in 1902.
Under the spiritual direction and guidance of Father Methodios Kourkoulis, the society applied for a charter from the State of New York. On July 23, 1928, they were finally granted a charter from the State of New York and were officially recognized as a women’s philanthropic organization.
The enthronement of Archbishop Athenagoras as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, on February 28, 1931, forever changed the face of Philoptochos and as God would have it, ushered in a new era of major philanthropic accomplishments. His Eminence immediately recognized the need for the unification of the more then 300 Greek Orthodox philanthropic chapters that had formed all across the United States, into one philanthropic society. It did not take him long to achieve his dream.
On November 1931, during the Archdiocese Fourth General Assembly in New York City, it was decided that Philoptochos would be the official philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Church of America.
Our chapter was first established in 1950 at our first church, Repose of St. Mary, on Oak Court under the guidance of Father Macropoulos. In 2000, our chapter name was changed to honor St. Philothea.
